Issue 9 – Summer 2025
Inside This Issue
Immerse yourself in our latest collection of inspiring articles and stunning imagery. From exclusive interviews and innovative techniques to captivating photo essays, this issue offers a wealth of content to enhance your nature photography skills and spark your creativity.
Rootless Yet Grounded
by Chrissy Donadi
Chrissy Donadi reflects on her nomadic life and how the constant practice of photography has provided a grounding force. She explores the urgency of capturing moments in temporary homes, the shift from grand scenes to intimate details after becoming a mother, and how photography creates a sense of identity and presence amidst constant change.
Featured Project: Val d’Orcia
by Giuseppe Guadagno
Giuseppe Guadagno presents his project documenting the dramatic seasonal transformations of Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, aiming to capture the valley’s changing appearance throughout the year. The project is accompanied by an insightful critique from Theo Bosboom, who offers feedback on storytelling, consistency, and the challenge of photographing iconic locations.
An Interpretation of Reality
by Brittany Colt
Brittany Colt delves into her transformative journey into black-and-white photography. She explains how seeing in monochrome opens up creative possibilities, especially in midday light, and allows for a deeper interpretation of reality by focusing on contrast, form, and negative space to evoke emotion and bring clarity to complex scenes.
Interview Alberto Rodriguez-Garcia
by Cody Schultz
Cody Schultz interviews Alberto Rodriguez-Garcia about his beginnings in photography, influenced by Jack Kerouac and the pandemic. They discuss his search for an inner state of being, the role of psychedelics in shaping his creative perspective, his views on artistic individuality, and his focus on communicating deep personal experiences through intimate photography and writing.
Meditations on Water Abstracts
by Brenda Petrella
Brenda Petrella shares her evolution from an abstract photography skeptic to a practitioner who treats creating water abstracts as a form of meditation. She discusses embracing the potential in nature’s chaos, using the camera as a tool for discovery, and the mindful process of observing light and movement to find patterns and permanence in transience.
The Mountains We Choose
by Michele Sons
Michele Sons weaves her personal story of finding a home in the Appalachian Mountains with the history of photographer George Masa. She explores how Masa, an immigrant, used his camera to advocate for the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, drawing parallels between his journey and her own in forming a deep, intimate connection to a chosen landscape.
Book Review: Moments with Trees
This review examines Peter Richter’s monograph, Moments with Trees, a photo zine created through Kozu Books. The review praises the collection of local woodland images from Vienna, noting the book’s pure visual language, lack of captions, and Richter’s skillful use of soft light and color to create tranquil and intimate scenes.
Learning to Soak in the Magic of the Woods
by Cody Schultz
Cody Schultz reflects on the healing power of nature through the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.” He contrasts the goal-oriented rush of typical photography outings with a more mindful approach of soaking in the woods with all senses, finding that true revitalization comes from being present, with photography becoming a byproduct of the experience.
Featured NPN Member: Peter J. Morrissey
In this interview, NPN member Peter J. Morrissey shares his passion for bird photography as a way to tell stories for his grandchildren. He discusses how his career in television editing shaped his composition skills, the vital role of his late wife’s encouragement, and how photography and community help him navigate his journey with Parkinson’s disease.
Community Highlights
This issue’s Community Highlight features Brad Carr’s exhibition, “Finding Light: A Journey Into Nature to Find My Soul.” The piece showcases his powerful combination of photography and writing to explore themes of healing, spirituality, and finding purpose in nature after a difficult childhood, and also details his upcoming monograph and community projects.